We've made an appointment with our vet to have our dog euthanized tomorrow. It's been very hard the last few days knowing that we were going to put him to death this week. But we have to do it. His kidneys are failing. He can't eat. He can barely walk. It's time. Last year, almost to the day, our other, bigger dog died. We will have one cat and one newt. That's it.

Yeah, we're old and have changed, time sucks, and we deal with it when it involves our own physical changes. Although with these creatures that stay so briefly in our lives, whose fate is in our hands, and touch us to the core with such unconditional love, it's never easy. We outlive so many pets by so many years, it doesn't seem fair, but that's selfish, huh?

The initial stages of renal failure can be dealt with, the body lives off of its reserves, but the final stages are really uncomfortable, you're doing the right thing.

I've gone from 23 down to 10 cats over the last 10 years or so. It never gets any easier. I cry like a baby. Embrace the tears, it helps.

"unconditional love" is what these "animals" are all about.I would rather be put down as an animal, maintaining my dignity, than as a human, suffering until the bitter end.If you love him, set him free and end the misery. For you and for him.<3

Sorry to hear that. We had to do the same with my Mom's last cat Smokey (which we had 12 years) back in 2011. She had a large tumor and was almost 20 years old - not worth fighting with drugs esp since her kidneys were barely functioning. The hardest part was waiting after you knew it was time. The vet came to our house so Smokey could pass in familiar surroundings. Waiting for her to arrive seemed like hours, but it was only 20 min. After our current cat William (going on 16) passes... we've decided no more. Get too attached, and I'm NOT getting any better at this.

Hang in there Yoyo. I know it's tough, but you're doing the best for them. My sincere condolences.

Posts like these always leave me emotionally spent. In the very moment I read your words I have a flood of memories of every dog that gave me and my family so much love, the pain of saying goodbye cuddled with them on the vet's floor. It's always so unfair how short their lives are but it's wonderful that they never really leave you. Hey yoyo, sending out good thoughts to you.

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